As SCEPA moves towards its final phase, partners came together in Leeuwarden for two days of knowledge exchange, practical learning and collaboration. The varied programme brought together local experiences, pilot visits, user testing and discussions on the future of SCEPA. From exploring approaches to tackling energy poverty in Leeuwarden Oost to testing new features of ChatEP and working on the project’s replication guidelines, the meeting offered plenty of opportunities to learn from each other and look ahead.
Exploring local approaches in Leeuwarden
One of the highlights was a visit to Leeuwarden Oost, where we explored local approaches to tackling energy poverty. We visited the Energiehuis, which will soon open its doors to residents. Its location in the middle of a shopping centre makes it an accessible place where residents can simply walk in and find support. We also explored the neighbourhood by bike, including a community picking garden, and learned more about the local approach to supporting residents.
Sharing experiences from across Europe
Partners also took a closer look at the pilot in Liège, sharing experiences, results and lessons learned. During lunch, we visited a community centre where we explored interactive games and playful communication methods that make energy poverty easier to talk about. Together, these different perspectives showed the value of learning from approaches in different local contexts.
Testing and developing ChatEP
The second day included a user test of ChatEP, SCEPA’s AI-tool. Partners tested a new feature that allows users to upload their own documents to the AI interface. This makes it possible for all partners to contribute relevant knowledge and documents to the database, helping to further develop ChatEP as a practical tool for people working on energy poverty.
Preparing for replication
As the project moves towards its final phase, partners also worked on monitoring and evaluation and the SCEPA replication guidelines. These guidelines will bring together practical lessons from the project and provide a starting point for organisations and cities that want to develop their own approach to tackling energy poverty after SCEPA ends. Members of the SCEPA Community of Interest from the north of the Netherlands also joined for speed dates, creating another opportunity for mutual learning and exchange.
Looking ahead to our final event
The meeting in Leeuwarden showed the value of bringing different experiences, approaches and perspectives together. With the final phase now underway, partners will continue working on the project’s tools, evaluation and replication guidelines. The SCEPA final event will take place in Brussels on 10 March 2027. More details will follow soon!